An ultra-fit Fifer had an emotional reunion with the “angels in disguise” who saved his life.
Stuart Duncan, 57, remembers nothing about his near-death experience on February 10 but it is etched in the memory of wife Margaret, 64, whose quick thinking gained vital time in the race to save the social work assistant, who had suffered a cardiac arrest.
Both they and their children thanked the Scottish Ambulance Service crews who had to administer six shocks to Stuart’s heart in a bid to resuscitate him.
In all Stuart was shocked 36 times at home and on his journey, first to the Victoria Hospital and then on to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Meeting the crews again, Margaret said: “They came to our house like angels in disguise. We will never be able to thank them enough.
“They do not get enough praise these men and women on the frontline do more than 100%”
Margaret woke that morning to find Stuart making a strange gurgling noise.
“It gave me a little shock, but he often snores,” she added.
However, she quickly realised something much more serious was happening and seeing her husband barely breathing, called 999.
While she was being given guidance by call handler Mo Bell, the first crew, paramedic Philip Campbell and technician Brian Taylor, were there in under five minutes.
Next there were paramedics Sandy Higgins and Nigel Duncan.
Margaret’s quick thinking, Stuart’s fitness level and Glenrothes ambulance station’s proximity to the family home in Pitteuchar probably saved him, said Philip.
For that Stuart, who has had a stent inserted, owes his life but his thoughts have turned to what might have been.
He has competed in 35 races over the last year, many out in the wilds.
He said: “That’s 35 times it could have happened, and it could have been so different.”
Philip added: “If someone is out in the wilderness and this happens, the chances of it being a viable survival are limited.
“We were so close, Margaret made the call so quickly and Stuart is fit. This makes it all worthwhile, it is nice to hear we have done something we are supposed to do and have a really good outcome.”
Now Stuart, who is already back running, is aiming to give something back to those who saved his life and has endorsed the lifesaving work of defibrillators.